THEN	NOW

Ross Waters was born on May 1, 1953, in Cornwall, England. At the age of four, his family moved to Vancouver, Canada. After spending several childhood years back in England with his maternal grandparents, Ross returned to Vancouver at nine and grew up with his father and sister in Kitsilano, an area he remembers with great affection.

One of the most important influences on Ross’ life was his time at St. George’s School. He credits the school with encouraging a philosophy of continual self-improvement rather than simply measuring oneself against others. Just as importantly, St. George’s introduced him to friendships that have endured throughout his life. Ross particularly remembers John Hislop’s belief that everyone should have a hobby — advice that helped shape one of Ross’ lifelong passions.

For Ross, that hobby became birdwatching and photography. His love of ornithology, oology, wildlife and the outdoors has taken him around the world, often on photographic safaris in search of birds and animals in their natural habitats. Although he modestly describes himself as an amateur photographer, photography and birdwatching remain important and enduring parts of his life.

Professionally, Ross has built a successful career in business and industry and continues to work with CG Industrial Specialties and related companies. He serves on several international committees dedicated to advancing valve knowledge and safety: he is a voting member of API, ASTM G04 (Gaseous Oxygen) and MSS, a member of the Standards Council of Canada’s ISO/TC 153 Valves committee, and a technical adviser to the VMA. Ross’ work has led to six patents developed using his comparative flow loop in Vancouver. His work has also given him the opportunity to travel extensively, allowing him to combine business with his enthusiasm for wildlife, photography and exploring different parts of the world.

Ross married Louise in 1978 and has two children, Braeden and Brittany, as well as five grandchildren, one of whom, Cole, attends St. George’s. Ross, Braeden, Brittany and Cole have all played rugby. Family, lifelong friendships, rugby, travel and the outdoors all continue to play an important role in his life, alongside a curiosity about the natural world that has stayed with him since his youth.